During a recent government meeting, George Karyanakis, Senior Vice President for Airline and Commercial Affairs at Denver International Airport (DEN), presented a significant new lease agreement with Amazon Air, marking a pivotal moment for the airport's cargo operations. This agreement is the first cargo carrier lease brought before the council in Karyanakis's seven-year tenure and aims to formalize Amazon's existing operations at the airport.

Amazon has been providing cargo air services at DEN since June 2018, operating approximately two flights daily. Previously, the company relied on ground handlers for its operations, but with the termination of that lease, the airport now has the opportunity to lease space directly to Amazon. The proposed lease is set for three years, with the option for two one-year extensions, and is structured to comply with the airport's rules and regulations regarding rates and charges.

Karyanakis emphasized the importance of such lease agreements for maintaining eligibility for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, which are crucial for funding construction projects at the airport. He explained that these agreements allow cargo carriers to lease necessary space, including ramp space for aircraft parking, with a minimum requirement of just under 3,000 square feet.

Council members raised questions regarding Amazon's operational model, clarifying that while Amazon does own some aircraft, it primarily utilizes third-party airlines to operate its flights. This operational structure is similar to that of other cargo carriers like DHL, which also does not operate its own planes but holds a cargo carrier lease at DEN.

The council's approval of this lease agreement is seen as a strategic move to enhance cargo operations at Denver International Airport, further solidifying its role as a key logistics hub.